To improve the yield of biopsy of the lymph nodes.

The diagnostic yield of 290 biopsies of thee lymph nodes performed between 1970 and 1974 was reviewed. A specific diagnosis was made in 63 per cent. In 10 per cent, the working diagnosis preoperatively was changed because of the biopsy. There was no significant variance in the postive yield obtained at the various biopsy sites. The surprisingly high yield from biopsy of inguinal lymph nodes was ascribed to a greater hesitancy on the part of th surgeon to do a biopsy of the nodes in the groin, unless they were strongly suggestive of disease. The highest yield rates were obtained when Boeck's sarcoidosis was suspected. Excellent yield rates were also obtained when the preoperative diagnosis was lymphoma or metastatic carcinoma. A protocol for handling the specimen was devised to maximize the potential yield of biopsy of the lymph nodes.